Easy Teriyaki Tofu
The first time we made teriyaki tofu was a happy accident. My husband and I had just started experimenting with tofu more seriously, trying to add variety to our vegetarian dinners. One night, we were craving something bold yet comforting, and a bottle of teriyaki sauce caught my eye. The result? A dish so good that it became a weekly staple in our home.
What we love most about teriyaki tofu is how versatile it is. Whether paired with rice, noodles, or a side of steamed veggies, it never fails to impress. Plus, the combination of crispy tofu and sweet, tangy sauce hits all the right notes—making it a crowd-pleaser even for tofu skeptics.
Table of Contents
- About Teriyaki Tofu
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- How To Make Teriyaki Tofu
- Have It Your Way
- Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Health Benefits
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
About Teriyaki Tofu
Teriyaki, a Japanese cooking style that combines grilling or pan-frying with a sweet soy-based glaze, has become a global favorite. This version swaps traditional proteins for tofu, offering a plant-based twist that’s equally satisfying.
Teriyaki’s roots trace back to Japan, where “teri” refers to the glaze’s shine and “yaki” means grilling or cooking. Today, teriyaki has taken on countless variations, and tofu is a natural fit because it absorbs flavors beautifully. This dish combines crispy pan-fried tofu with a homemade teriyaki sauce, delivering bold flavors and a comforting texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your taste.
- Protein-Packed: A delicious way to incorporate plant-based protein into your diet.
- Versatile Pairing: Serve with rice, noodles, or even in a wrap.
Key Ingredients
- Extra-Firm Tofu: Holds its shape and crisps up beautifully when pan-fried.
- Soy Sauce: The salty, umami base for the teriyaki glaze.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness to balance the saltiness.
- Ginger and Garlic: Fresh aromatics that bring depth and warmth to the sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to the glaze.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce for that classic glossy finish.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, toasted flavor.
- Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: Perfect garnishes for added texture and freshness.
How To Make Teriyaki Tofu
Air Fry Tofu:
- Break the tofu into bite sized pieces with your hand into a large bowl.
- Add corn starch to the tofu pieces, and stir until all the tofu pieces are coated with the corn starch.
- Add the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, cooking oil, and a little water to form a light batter. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the pieces to a parchment lined air fryer tray and air fry the tofu at 375-425 F (175-200 C) until golden brown.
Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry:
- In a wok over medium heat, add in the sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Stir and cook until fragrant.
- Add in Mirin or Sake or Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add the corn starch slurry. Heat and continuously stir to prevent clumps until the sauce thickens.
- Add in the air fried tofu pieces, and stir to coat all the pieces with the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and serve with steamed rice.
Have It Your Way
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Sweeter Glaze: Swap maple syrup for honey or brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Add Veggies: Stir-fry broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas with the tofu for a complete meal.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Plant-Based Protein: Tofu is an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.
- Low in Saturated Fat: A heart-healthy alternative to meat-based teriyaki.
- Vitamin Boost: Ginger and garlic offer immune-boosting properties.
- Calcium and Iron: Tofu is rich in these essential minerals.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Crispy Air Fried Orange Tofu
- Gochujang Tofu
- Air fried Black Pepper Tofu
- Thai Basil Braised Tofu
- Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu
Teriyaki Tofu
Ingredients
Air Fry Tofu:
- 16 oz Extra Firm Tofu Pressed
- 2 Tbsp Corn Starch
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tsp rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- Water as needed for a light batter
Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp Ginger grated
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce low sodium
- 2 Tbsp Mirin or Sake or Shaoxing Wine
- 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Corn Starch Slurry 1 cold water + 1 Corn Starch
Garnish:
- Green Onions
- Sesame Seeds
Instructions
Air Fry Tofu:
- Break the tofu into bite sized pieces with your hand into a large bowl.
- Add corn starch to the tofu pieces, and stir until all the tofu pieces are coated with the corn starch.
- Add the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, cooking oil, and a little water to form a light batter. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the pieces to a parchment lined air fryer tray and air fry the tofu at 375-425 F (175-200 C) until golden brown.
Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry:
- In a wok over medium heat, add in the sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Stir and cook until fragrant.
- Add in Mirin or Sake or Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add the corn starch slurry. Heat and continuously stir to prevent clumps until the sauce thickens.
- Add in the air fried tofu pieces, and stir to coat all the pieces with the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and serve with steamed rice.
Notes
- Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water for maximum crispiness.
- Use a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more or less cornstarch slurry.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition
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